A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY
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| Volume 6 Number 36 - Tuesday, September 7th, 2004 |
A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY |
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The Orthodox Christian News Service |
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Florida Greeks Coping With Hurricane Aftermath
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL – Feelings are strong and mixed in the Florida Greek community since Charlie hit that State last August 13: there is fear, sadness but also some optimism in the air. Everyone in the Greek community of Port Charlotte however, agrees that Greeks were united in this disaster. More than 200 Greek families, who live and work in the area, have suffered severe damages from the hurricane in their homes and businesses. Many are still without water and electricity. Among the damaged buildings is the Holy Trinity Church that has suffered more than $200,000 in damages and remains closed. Despite help being offered by the Greek community and the Metropolis of Atlanta—Metropolitan Alexios has reportedly appealed for help to brotherhoods across Florida—the town of Charlotte will take long to recover from the disaster. "We were totally unprepared," said Holy Trinity Priest, Rev. Demetrios Kavouras. "We only had 30 minutes to prepare because the hurricane was supposed to hit miles away." The Herald met with several Charlotte residents, who all expressed their uncertainty for the future but also a sense of relief that there were no casualties. "Many Greeks have already gone to other cities to look for work," said one of them, owner of "Georgio" restaurant Dimitris Psiharis, who opened his newly renovated business just five days before the disaster. "Thank God that the Red Cross distributes water and food supplies two to three times a day," said another, Panayiotis Kyriakopoulos. "My home has been
completely destroyed," said Manos, a fast food
restaurant owner. "My family wasn’t panicked at
first. But when the hurricane hit, I saw fear in
my wife’s and children’s eyes. But," he added, "we
re trying to deal with the situation now, with
more optimism and a smile. Houses and businesses
can be rebuilt but people can’t be brought back." |
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